Area News Digest

Written by Gothenburg Times
Friday, 18 October 2013 14:31

Taken from the news columns of area newspapers.

Gov. Heineman helps to dedicate fitness project

COZAD—A first-hand look at the physical education developments at Cozad Elementary were offered to citizens of the 100th Meridian City as well as Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman, who was among the dignitaries on hand for a ribbon-cutting of the Cozad Elementary “Project Fit America” playground equipment. Grant money from Blue Cross Blue Shield enabled the project to become a reality. Included are a variety of motor and physical fitness development activities for all levels of strength and coordination. The community of Cozad, young and old, will benefit from the new equipment.—reported in the Tri-City Trib.

World War II vet awarded French medal

BROKEN BOW—Eugene Chartraw of Ansley recently received a surprise in the mail. Tucked neatly inside a large envelope addressed from the Consulat General of France, was a letter of commendation and medal for the World War II veteran. It was the Knight of Legion of Honor medal, and is the highest medal bestowed by the French government. The letter accompanying the medal read, in part, “More than 65 years ago, you gave your youth to France and the French people. Many fellow soldiers didn’t return, but they remain in our hearts.” Chartraw was surprised and touched by the recognition as he was still in high school when he enlisted.—reported in the Custer County Chief.

Ogallala’s Front Street complex to be auctioned

OGALLALA—An Ogallala icon for nearly a generation will be up for public auction on Nov. 4. The Front Street Steakhouse and Crystal Palace Saloon complex, a tourist destination and home to one of Ogallala’s best restaurants since the 1960s, will be auctioned to the public as a turn-key business. Front Street has been a favorite dining spot and watering hole for both locals and visitors for nearly 50 years. From the rough-looking wood exterior to the wooden swinging bar doors, the complex is all Old West in style and character. The Crystal Palace Revue is touted as Nebraska’s oldest summer stock production and entertains with theater-style shows of gunfights, songs, dance and humor.—reported in the Keith County News.

NCTA/UNL offer new online degree

CURTIS—Two college agriculture curriculums will provide greater degree and educational opportunities for students studying in the University of Nebraska system, whether at NU in Lincoln or at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) in Curtis. In 2014, online courses will pave the way for technical agriculture sophomores completing their two-year studies in Curtis to earn a bachelor of applied science degree by taking online courses from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for two additional years. While working on their degrees, students can remain residents in Curtis and have full access to the services and support available.—reported in the Frontier County Enterprise.

Recharge project to take place along South Loup

ARNOLD—With groundwater pumping impacts on the flows of nearby streams becoming an increasing concern, the Lower Loup Natural Resources District has teamed up with other NRDs and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to study recharge effects along the South Loup River near Arnold. This study will take place over the next three years and is expected to provide the district better data to model a water budget, specifically estimating groundwater recharge and nearby impacts to stream base flow. The Arnold area was selected because of the USGS stream gage monitoring flows in the South Loup, and it is considered a good representative of dissected plains.—reported in the Arnold Sentinel.

Vacant NSB building donated to Oconto

CALLAWAY—The village of Oconto received the donation of a building recently. Since Nebraska State Bank (NSB) of Broken Bow closed down its Oconto branch in June, the historic bank building on main street has stood vacant. During a special ceremony, NSB President Stuart Fox presented the title to the building to the village. According to city officials, possibilities for business recruitment are on the horizon, possibly attracting another bank branch. There is also an addition on the north side with added office space that could be rented out as well.—reported in the Callaway Courier.

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